Faux fur has become a popular fabric choice for clothing and accessories. Unlike real fur, faux fur is animal-friendly and more affordable. However, caring for faux fur requires some special considerations to keep it looking its best. Follow this guide to learn how to properly wash, dry, store, and care for faux fur clothing and accessories.
Checking the Fabric Content
The first step in caring for faux fur is to check the fabric content tag. This will tell you the fiber content, which is useful to know when laundering. Common faux fur fabrics include:
- Acrylic – An artificial fabric that resembles wool. Durable and budget-friendly.
- Polyester – A synthetic fabric that is wrinkle-resistant. Provides a luxurious faux fur look.
- Rayon – A semi-synthetic made from cellulose. Has a silk-like texture.
- Modacrylic – A modified acrylic that is durable, soft, and easy to care for.
- Cotton – Natural plant-based fiber that is sometimes used as a faux fur backing.
Once you know the fabric content, you can determine the best way to clean that specific type of faux fur. Acrylic and polyester faux fur have similar care requirements. Rayon, modacrylic, and cotton may have some varying care needs.
Hand Washing Faux Fur
Delicately hand washing faux fur is the safest cleaning method. Skip the washing machine and laundry detergent to avoid damage. Here are some tips for hand washing faux fur:
Fill a Sink or Basin with Cool Water
Use lukewarm or cool water when hand washing faux fur. Hot water can cause acrylic and polyester faux fur to shrink or melt.
Use a Mild Detergent
Choose a gentle laundry detergent marked as safe for delicates. Liquid detergents designed for handwashing work best. Avoid regular laundry detergent, which may be too harsh.
Gently Swish and Soak the Faux Fur
Submerge the faux fur piece in the detergent solution. Lightly swish it around to work the detergent through the fibers. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes so the detergent can dissolve oils and dirt trapped deep in the pile.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once washed, drain the dirty detergent water and refill the basin with cool clean water for rinsing. Rinse the faux fur several times until the water runs clear. This removes all soap residues that can dull the fur.
reshape and Lay Flat to Dry
Gently squeeze out excess water from the faux fur piece. Reshape it before drying so the fibers stay fluffy. Lay it flat on a towel in its original shape.
Avoid Twisting, Wringing, or Rubbing
Never twist, wring, or aggressively rub faux fur when washing. This can damage the delicate pile and cause matting. Handle it gently to keep the fibers aligned and fluffy.
Washing Faux Fur in a Washing Machine
For polyester and acrylic faux fur fabrics, washing machines can be used but require caution. Here are some tips:
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Place the faux fur piece inside a mesh zip laundry bag. This prevents pilling from friction. Turn the piece inside-out so the pile faces inwards.
Choose a Gentle Cycle
Wash on the delicate or gentle cycle, using cool water. The agitation should be minimal to avoid damage.
Use a Mild Detergent
Stick to detergents made for delicates. Liquid detergents often work better versus powder on faux fur.
Reshape After Washing
When done, reshape and smooth down the fibers while still damp. Lay flat in its original shape as it dries.
Limit Machine Washing
Only wash faux fur in a machine every few months. Frequent washing can cause the fabric to pill and look matted.
Drying Faux Fur Clothing and Accessories
Proper drying is key to keeping faux fur perms looking luxurious. Here are some do’s and don’ts for drying faux fur:
DO: Lay Flat to Dry
Lay the faux fur piece flat, reshaping it as needed. Let it air dry completely before use to avoid matting.
DO: Use a Cool Setting
If blow drying, use only the cool setting. High heat can damage acrylic or polyester fibers.
DON’T: Hang Dry
Avoid hanging faux fur pieces up to dry. The weight of the water will stretch the fabric out of shape.
DON’T: Dry Clean
Skip the dry cleaners. The chemicals are too harsh for most faux fur fabrics.
DON’T: Use Heat
Never use hot air, tumble dry, or iron faux fur. The heat will damage the fibers.
Letting faux fur dry completely before wearing or storing is vital to prevent moisture damage and matting of the fibers. Reshape and smooth down the fur as it dries.
Storing Faux Fur Clothing and Accessories
With the proper storage methods, faux fur will maintain its beauty and vibrancy for years to come:
Use Breathable Garment Bags
Store faux fur in breathable cotton or mesh garment bags. Avoid plastic bags that trap in moisture.
Hang Loosely
If hanging faux fur in a closet, use wide padded or wooden hangers. Packed hanging can flatten the fibers.
Fold Carefully
When folding faux fur, avoid sharp creases. Fold loosely along the seams and pile to reduce crushing.
Maintain Shape
Fill out the interior with acid-free tissue paper to hold its shape. Don’t tightly pack items or overstuff.
Control Temperature and Humidity
Store faux fur in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight to prevent damage.
With some care, high-quality faux fur clothing and accessories can look fabulous for many years. Follow these tips and enjoy your luxurious faux fur!
Common Questions About Caring for Faux Fur
Caring for faux fur clothing and accessories may bring up some questions for first-timers. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Can you dry clean faux fur?
Dry cleaning is not recommended for faux fur. The chemicals used in the dry cleaning process can damage or discolor the fibers. Delicate hand washing is best for faux fur.
How do you get wrinkles out of faux fur?
To remove wrinkles from faux fur, use a garment steamer on a low setting. Avoid ironing, as the heat can flatten and damage the fibers. Gently reshape the fur pile with your fingers as you steam.
How do you get stains out of faux fur?
Treat stains on faux fur immediately by dabbing with a damp white cloth. Avoid rubbing, which pushes stains deeper into the fibers. For tougher stains, use a mild laundry detergent diluted in water and gently blot the stain. Rinse thoroughly.
Can you put faux fur in the washing machine?
Acrylic and polyester faux fur can go in the washing machine but only using the gentle/delicate cycle and cold water. Place inside a mesh bag first to prevent pilling. Limit washing to once every few months.
How do you get dog hair off faux fur?
Use a lint roller or masking tape to remove pet hair from faux fur. For deeper cleaning, hand wash the faux fur using cool water and delicate detergent. Reshape the fur and lay flat to dry.
How do you get odors out of faux fur?
To remove odors from faux fur, sprinkle baking soda liberally on the fabric and let sit overnight before shaking off. For quicker results, use an odor-eliminating spray made for fabrics.
Can you use fabric softener on faux fur?
Avoid using fabric softener on faux fur, as it can leave an oily residue that clumps the fibers. The softeners can also reduce the fluffiness.
Caring for Specific Types of Faux Fur
Certain faux fur fabrics have unique care requirements. Here is more information on cleaning different fabric types:
Acrylic Faux Fur
Acrylic faux fur is durable and affordable. Hand wash using cool water and delicate detergent. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing out excess water.
Polyester Faux Fur
Polyester faux fur is usually machine washable on the gentle cycle using cold water. Air dry completely and use a garment steamer to fluff up the pile.
Rayon Faux Fur
Rayon faux fur is semi-synthetic and silk-like. Dry clean only for best results and limit washing to 2-3 times per year. Use cool water if hand washing.
Modacrylic Faux Fur
Modacrylic is a modified acrylic that is soft and easy to care for. Hand wash in cool water or dry clean. Avoid heat and dry flat.
Cotton-Backed Faux Fur
For cotton backing, hand wash gently in cold water only. Avoid detergents with bleach that can discolor the cotton. Air dry away from direct heat.
In Summary
- Hand wash faux fur using cool water, delicate detergent, and avoid wringing, twisting, or rubbing the fabric.
- Machine washing on gentle cycle with a mesh bag can be used for some faux fur fabrics but limit to occasional cleaning.
- Reshape and lay flat to completely air dry faux fur after washing. Never use direct heat.
- Store faux fur properly using breathable garment bags in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags or packed storage.
- Know the fabric content and cleaning methods for specific faux fur fabrics like acrylic, polyester, rayon, modacrylic, and cotton-backed.
With proper care, washing, drying, storing and handling, faux fur garments will maintain their beauty and softness for many years of stylish wear. Follow these tips and enjoy the luxurious feel of faux fur!